The recent named storms across the UK could lead to a greater Japanese Knotweed infestation in rental properties warns a specialist company

The UK reported 60 flood warnings as storms Dudley, Eunice and Franklin ravaged parts of the country in February, with concerns this could lead to a spread of knotweed.

Around 1.45 million homes in Britain might be affected by this invasive species that is very hard to stop, described by the Environmental agency as “indisputably the UK’s most aggressive, destructive and invasive plant”.

Indeed, the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors now offers specific advice and guidance to stop the growing menace to properties.

Adam Brindle, founder of Japanese Knotweed Specialist said: “Japanese knotweed can grow through cracks and vulnerabilities in concrete, hard standings, and in worst cases destabilise foundations. Treating knotweed is critical, because an unchecked infestation can be extremely costly”.

He continued: “Don’t be fooled if you live outside of areas recognised for infestations because, if you’ve recently had flooding, it’s worth looking for red flags where knotweed has been spread by the UK’s recent weather events”.